One Card, One Memory

Throughout my six weeks at Vault X, I have come to learn that cards are so much more than just 'shiny cardboard'. They encapsulate memories: laughs with friends, the disbelief of having pulled a certain card, the satisfaction of completing a set... Whenever you go through your collection, you are transported back to a specific moment in your life and the thoughts and feelings you experienced at the time. In a way, cards are like little time-capsules of joy that you can re-visit whenever you like. 

I wanted to try and capture the importance of cards to collectors, so I asked each Vault X team member to bring in their favourite card (for some it was multiple) and to explain what it means to them. A huge thanks to everyone who participated, and for almost making me cry whilst I wrote this post!

*Warning: you may need some tissues!*

George 

Hello, I’m George! This is my favourite card - not just because of its sentimental value, but also because I later discovered its RRP value (which made it feel even more special)... The Growlithe card was the very first pull from the very first booster pack I opened, generously gifted to me by the team at Vault X. Every time I look at it, I’m taken right back to that moment - my first day here and the exciting start of an incredible journey. It's also one of my partner's favourite Pokémon characters, so it felt like two worlds colliding into one Poké-verse.

Ava

There is something about Mantine that makes me smile. Maybe because Mantine always has a little 'Remoraid' under his fin or the Mantine always looks happy. This goes in my collection of water Pokémon in a mint green binder.

Gary

Wow, picking just one card is impossible — I have so many that mean so much to me. Here are three for now... First is Guru Mountain – a treasured gift from my old Magic group. Mountains are the best cards in Magic because they let you cast Bolts. Second is Base Set Charizard – my childhood Zard. Pulled one as a kid, sold it for more packs… then immediately opened another. This is the one I kept. Last is the Vault X World Record from Card Party 2 last year. Proud moment, proud team, proud card.

April

This is my favourite Pokémon as I love the Arctic, blue tones, and bears. This card captures all of those elements perfectly. It really stands out to me for that reason.

Chris

I opened this Hyperspace mace Windu in my first ever Star Wars unlimited pack at the pre-release. I then played and won the tournament. This card reminds me of the excitement of playing and collecting TCG's both old and new.  

Shireen 

I love Jigglypuff because it’s irresistibly cute, slightly mischievous, and has a hilarious habit of singing enemies to sleep while always stealing the spotlight with its charm.

Ian 

I'm a bit of a sentimental collector — I tend to keep things that hold personal meaning rather than just chasing the latest or rarest items. One of my favourite pieces is the Tiamat my son, Oliver, pulled while we were doing a draft together. He tried to use it in his deck, but in that format, it was pretty much impossible! I also picked up the Japanese Blood Moon while I was away in Hong Kong — I bought it for Oliver since he loves playing red decks. 

Pete

This card may look like a tattered piece of cardboard, but to me, it’s a memory of being 7 years old, trading cards with my friend in the playground to get the last card I needed to complete the set.

Holly

This is my favourite card because Snom is my favourite Pokémon. I managed to pull this from a pack and I was so happy as full arts are my favourite cards! I love Snom not just because it's adorable, but also because I have a background in biology and entomology, which makes me especially fond of bug-type Pokémon.

Ben 

I love this card because it features mythology. It is inspired by the Chinese myth of the 'Dragon Gate' - a legend that explains Magikarp's transformation into Gyarados. Try and spot Gyarados (the dragon) in the top right corner!

Robin

I'm relatively new to the hobby but I'd heard all about Surging Sparks. So when I went to the Pokémon Europe International Championships at the ExCel I was excited to be given two free packs on the door. I put them in my pocket and forgot about them in the chaos of the event. When I got home and opened them and I couldn't believe my eyes when 'twerking Pikachu' appeared from the first pack - it was the first time I'd truly been in shock after pulling a card. Anyway, it went straight into a sleeve and Toploader - and at some point, I intend to get it graded to keep it extra safe! 

Gabz

This card is super special to me! It is the first double-rare card I have pulled, and as someone who is completely new to TCG's, it was SUCH an exciting moment. I also think it is visually stunning and I love how it glistens in the light. Thinking about the card also makes me laugh. I thought it would be worth lots of money, however, my dreams were soon shattered after Chris revealed it is worth less than £2.00... But you can't put a price on the memories that came with pulling Nidoking!